Deborah Chan
When it comes to weddings, there are a few colours that are considered off-limits for guests. The most well-known colour to avoid is white, as it is usually the colour worn by the bride and it is important that she stands out. However, there are other colours to avoid, such as ivory, champagne, cream, and other light colours that could be mistaken for white. It is also best to avoid wearing the same colour as the bridal party or colours that are too similar, as you may get mistaken for a member of the wedding party. To avoid this, you can consult with a member of the wedding party or another guest to see what colours they are wearing. Neon colours are also not considered wedding-appropriate, as they tend to look casual and can draw attention away from the happy couple. Similarly, it is best to avoid anything too shimmery or distracting, such as glittery fabrics, sequins, and metallic gold, silver, or rose gold hues, especially if the bridal party is wearing metallic colours. Denim is usually considered too casual for weddings, although a denim jacket may be appropriate as outerwear. Finally, it is important to consider the formality, location, and season when choosing colours to avoid, as certain locations and seasons may change the dress code.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colors to avoid | White, ivory, champagne, cream, off-white, beige, eggshell, metallics, neon, red, denim, glitter, sky-high heels |
| Colors to be cautious of | The same as the bridal party, ultra-pale pinks, misty ice blues, black (for evening gowns) |
| General advice | Avoid overly casual outfits, distracting prints, garish colors, and exposed skin |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid white, ivory, champagne, and cream colours
When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it is important to look polished, festive, and respectful without drawing attention away from the couple. One of the most important rules to follow when it comes to choosing an outfit for a wedding is to avoid wearing white, ivory, champagne, or cream colours. These colours are typically reserved for the bride and it is considered disrespectful in many cultures to wear these shades as a guest. Even if the wedding is casual, it is best to avoid wearing white jeans or a Canadian tuxedo. If you are unsure about the dress code, it is best to consult a member of the wedding party or another guest to ensure you are dressed appropriately.
While it may be tempting to wear a gorgeous white dress to a wedding, it is important to remember that this could be seen as a major faux pas. White, ivory, and champagne hues are stark and prominent colours that can make the person wearing them stand out. As such, it is best to avoid these colours unless the couple has requested an all-white attire dress code. In addition to white, ivory, and champagne, it is also important to avoid off-white, eggshell, beige, and super light colours that could be mistaken for white. These colours can be too similar to the bride's dress and may cause confusion or take attention away from the happy couple.
It is also important to consider the season and location of the wedding when choosing your outfit. For example, ultra-pale pinks and misty ice blues should be avoided as they can appear white in sheer fabrics. Additionally, an unconventional bride may choose these colours for her wedding dress. Sticking to the seasonal colour palette can help narrow down your options and ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. If you are unsure about what colours to wear, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose a classic neutral or subdued look that will not draw attention away from the couple.
While there are some colours that should be avoided when attending a wedding, it is important to remember that you can still incorporate subtle accents of these colours into your outfit. For example, a gold thread running through a classy wedding outfit can add a subtle shimmer that shows you put thought into dressing up for the occasion. However, it is important to avoid overly casual outfits, scene-stealing sequins, and sky-high heels that can take attention away from the couple. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the couple's special day is about them and not your outfit.
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Don't wear neon colours
When it comes to choosing an outfit for a wedding, it's important to consider the dress code, the season, and the location. While you might have more freedom with an informal or casual dress code, there are still some colours that you should generally avoid.
One colour family that you should steer clear of is neon. Neon colours are extremely eye-catching and can be considered too distracting for a wedding, where the focus should be on the couple, particularly the bride. As influencer Mei Yap shared on Instagram, "I would recommend avoiding neon. Colour theory calls neons 'distractors'... and you wouldn't want to distract from the bride!" Similarly, certified image stylist Elizabeth Kosich advised, "Neons are the most conspicuous colours of all, and so it's best to avoid them."
Neon colours are bold and bright and might draw too much attention at a wedding, especially in photos. While neon shades can be chic, they may not be the best choice for a wedding, unless it's a wild disco party or a rave. Instead, opt for softer, more muted tones that will let the couple shine on their special day.
In addition to neon colours, it's best to avoid wearing white, ivory, cream, or any variation of white, such as beige, ecru, and champagne. These colours are traditionally associated with the bride, especially in Western cultures, and wearing them might be seen as disrespectful or attention-stealing. However, if the couple specifically requests an all-white dress code, it's acceptable to wear white.
Other colours to be cautious of include metallics, reds, and extremely bright or flashy colours. These shades can also be attention-grabbing and may detract from the couple, particularly the bride, who is usually the centre of attention. Instead, choose subdued, complementary colours that will help you blend in and let the happy couple stand out.
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No metallics
When choosing an outfit for a wedding, it's important to remember that the focus should be on the couple getting married. It's their big day, and you don't want to be responsible for any distractions or upset.
Metallics are a big no-no for wedding guests. Bold metallics can be distracting and attention-grabbing, and you don't want to be accused of trying to steal focus from the happy couple. Elizabeth Kosich, a certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling, says that "look-at-me metallics make you stand out and, ultimately, shift attention away from the bride". She recommends saving your flashy metallic dress for a cocktail party instead.
Metallic fabrics can also cause issues in wedding photos due to their reflective nature. The material may cause flashback, meaning the wedding pictures won't look their best.
While it's best to avoid metallics altogether, a subtle hint of metallic is acceptable. A gold thread running through a classy wedding outfit, for example, can be a nice touch, showing that you've made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
It's also worth noting that some weddings have unconventional dress codes, such as "vineyard chic" or "seaside glam", which can make choosing an outfit even more challenging. If in doubt, it's always best to consult a member of the wedding party, another guest, or the couple themselves to ensure you don't accidentally break any etiquette rules.
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No denim
While there are many colours and styles to choose from when deciding what to wear to a wedding, there are some that you should avoid. One of the most well-known fashion taboos when it comes to wedding attire is wearing white, which is traditionally reserved for the bride. Similarly, it is generally advised to avoid any colours that are similar to white, such as ivory, cream, beige, champagne, and other light colours. This is to avoid upstaging the bride and to respect the couple's vision for their wedding.
Another colour that has been deemed inappropriate for wedding guest attire is red, as some wedding experts find this bold shade too daring and distracting. In addition, it is generally advised to avoid overly flashy or attention-grabbing outfits, such as those in bright neon colours or with bold metallic accents. Such outfits may be considered inappropriate as they can shift attention away from the couple and make it seem like you are trying to stand out.
One specific type of attire that has been the subject of debate in the wedding fashion world is denim. Traditionally, denim was considered too casual for wedding ceremonies and was reserved for everyday wear. However, as fashion norms have evolved, the lines between formal and casual attire have become blurred. While some sources still advise against wearing denim to weddings, others suggest that it can be appropriate as long as it is tasteful and in line with the dress code and theme of the event. If in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose an alternative option to denim.
So, why is denim often considered a no-go for wedding guests? Well, denim, especially in the form of jeans, can be seen as too casual and may not fit with the level of formality expected at a wedding. It is important to remember that a wedding is a special occasion, and the dress code is typically more formal than everyday wear. Wearing denim, especially if it is distressed or overly casual, can be seen as undermining the couple's chosen theme or dress code.
However, it is worth noting that not all weddings are created equal. If the couple has specifically requested a casual dress code or mentioned that denim is acceptable, then it may be appropriate to wear denim to their wedding. Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when choosing your wedding guest outfit is to respect the couple's preferences and vision for their special day.
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Avoid the wedding party's colours
When deciding what to wear to a wedding, it's important to avoid wearing the same colour as the wedding party. You don't want to be mistaken for a member of the bridal party or a bridesmaid! If you know someone in the wedding party, you could ask them what colours they're wearing and avoid those hues. If you don't know anyone in the wedding party, you can always choose a classic black dress, which is a safe option.
It's also important to avoid wearing white, ivory, off-white, cream, or champagne to a wedding. These colours are typically reserved for the bride, and it's considered disrespectful in many cultures to wear them as a guest. Even if you're wearing a pattern, avoid patterns that are predominantly white. However, if the couple has requested an all-white dress code, then it's appropriate to wear white.
In addition to avoiding the wedding party's colours and shades of white, there are a few other colours to steer clear of. Neon colours, for example, tend to look casual and sporty and can draw attention away from the couple. Bold metallics should also be avoided, as they can be distracting and may make it look like you're trying to steal focus. While you can incorporate a subtle metallic thread into your outfit, anything more than that should be left at home.
Finally, some wedding experts recommend avoiding fire engine red, as this bold shade can be too daring and distracting. Instead, opt for complementary, less flashy tones, such as pastels, muted colours, or jewel tones.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally advised that you avoid wearing white, ivory, off-white, beige, champagne, cream, or any other variation of white to a wedding. The only exception to this rule is if the couple has requested that guests wear white.
Yes, it is best to avoid ultra-pale pinks and misty ice blues as they can also appear white in certain lights and in photographs.
Yes, neon colours are not usually considered wedding-appropriate. They tend to look casual and can draw a lot of attention. It is also best to avoid anything too shimmery or distracting, such as glitter, sequins, or metallic gold, silver, or rose gold hues.
Yes, it is best to avoid psychedelic or garish prints that can be distracting. It is also recommended that you avoid wearing the same colour as the wedding party.
Yes, it is generally advised that you avoid anything that shows too much skin, such as crop tops, short skirts, or plunging necklines. It is also considered disrespectful to wear denim, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, or sneakers to a wedding.
